Baber resigned from the city on Feb. 22, 2011 – less than two years after receiving tuition reimbursements of $8,400, according to the city’s lawsuit.

The city said Baber was contacted about paying up, and that he agreed to do so. About $300 was withheld from his final paycheck.

The following May, Baber collected $19,647.49 from his city Professional Management Retirement Plan account. City officials said that the law blocked them from tapping into that pension payout for repayment.

Baber repaid about $2,000 but eventually stopped making payments.

The city is seeking to recover the balance, interest and its attorney’s fees and costs. The case is before Judge Peter Skolnik.

Baber rose steadily during his father-in-law’s tenure as city manager.

In January 2006, he began working as a $38,000-a-year administrative analyst in the city’s Development Services Department.

In February 2007, he was promoted to personnel analyst in Human Resources with a salary of $47,715.

City records show that during the same month Baber was placed in the lucrative Professional Management Retirement Plan, even though the city had closed the controversial plan to new employees as of Jan. 1, 2007.

In January 2008, Baber’s salary increased again to $58,406 –a 53 percent increase in two years. Amiraian said that part of the increase for Baber resulted from city manager Good deciding to expand the duties of existing HR personnel rather than adding more employees.

Baber joined Good’s family when he married city manager’s daughter, Lisa Anne, on March 31, 2007.

Good worked for the city in various positions for 25 years. He served as city manager from 2002 until his dismissal by city commissioners in June 2010 for excessive absences and signing off on questionable contracts that cost the city millions.

Upon his firing, Good received a hefty severance package as called for in his contract. Many on the commission were reluctant to pay, but felt it could cost more to take the matter to court.

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